Hot box build along

[bjansen]

This weekend I decided it was time to build a new hot box.  I went all out on this one so I decided I might as well do a short build along.
I started with 2 sheets of 3/8" 3 ply plywood and a 6 ft pine 1x12, some electrical boxes, hinges, wood glue, nails/screws, bubble insulation and a few other misc. scraps and other items we all have laying around.  
Overall I was shooting for an exterior measurment of 84" x 12" x 32".  

 

Here we go:
Plywood is ripped and cut to deminsions for the bottom and sides:


 

[Dmaxshawn]

[Stiks-n-Strings]

Looking forward to this

[jess stuart]

Yes I agree Dmaxshawn, anything he does looks great.

[bjansen]

Next, I assemble the bottom.  I used some scrap 2x2 stock as an aid in the assembly and to add a bit more structural support.  

 

Next add on the end caps (1x12 pine).  I initially just used glue and brad nails and followed up with drywal screws after the assembly was complete.  

 

 

[ranger 3]

Brad, check your camera in the setting's on mine I can set it for the internet.

[bjansen]

Add the sides:

 

Remember to account for the width of the top so it can be inset into the box:

 

Then cut your top piece to size:

 

[bjansen]

Now you should have an enclosed box:

 

Lay the box on its side and use a straight edge to cut the lid off.  I made my lid 8.5":

 

 

[bjansen]

Now you have a lid:
 

Time for the electric.  I am using 4 bulbs and I suggest doing your wiring outside of the box.  I attached some 1x stock on the inside of the box for mounting surfaces for the electrical boxes as well:

 

After installing the fixtures at the bottom, I put two supports to which my forms will sit on.  I prefer this method as I am well aware of the space between my form and the bulbs (rather than a top mounted system).  Also heat rises right!


 

[bjansen]

Now for some foil faced bubble insulation. I start with the bottom and the lid and work my way to the middle.  

 

Having a staple gun is great for this task:

 

 

An alignment feature up front is a nice edition:

 

[bjansen]

I used a couple scrap stips to beef up the hinged portions:

 

A coat of stain.  The local heavily discounted mismatched color at Lowes of course:

 

Some carry handles (for the guys who ends up taking this thing home from my estate sale 55 years down the road)

 

[bjansen]

Hinges:

 

Some window insulation gapping for the lid threshold:

 

[bjansen]

 

[bjansen]

Finishing up the foil insulation:

 

For the lid handle...might as well use that broken bow for something:

 

 

[bjansen]

Disregard that whited out area...I will finish up the electrical details up front this weekend when the electronic temp control gets in. I am planning for an on/off switch prior to the ETC.

 

[Dmaxshawn]

         Outstanding job Brad Ive needed to build me a new one and I think I'll take the time to do it right this time.  Thanks

Shawn

[bjansen]

Thank you Shawn.  This is probably bigger, more costly and bulkier than needed...but if you are experimenting with different bows that call for longer and taller forms this is the ticket.  My old box just wasn't cutting it all the time.  

Also, since I have a small shop, the top will suffice nicely for a glue up station or an extra seat for that matter

[GREG IN MALAD]

The ETC is a very nice addition to an oven, make sure you put a snap disk between the bulbs and switch as a safety. My controller stuck once and ran the temp up to 220 degrees, I didn't think light bulbs would get that hot.

[fish n chicks]

Very awesome!! Thank you for the time and pics Brad.

[Big-un08]

Thanks for the build Brad. After talking with Greg, I purchased the ETC and snap disc also. Let us know how she works after you cook one.